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ABOUT THE FARM

The barn was custom built in a modified "bank barn" style designed
to fit the landscape and be in the best interests for the horses health....
cutting edge concepts from research completed by well known people like
John Blackburn, Dr. Robert Bowker and Pete Ramey, We also incorporated
Natural Horsemanship concepts championed by trainers like John Lyons.

Abundant Natural Light

Like humans, horses need exposure to natural light to generate vitamin D. While about 30
min of natural light is sufficient for humans, horses need substantially more exposure to
natural light to generate the vitamin D which is an essential hormone trigger. The importance
of the generation of vitamin D for a horse can not be under estimated....it plays a critical role
in healthy movement of joints and muscles and bones.

The natural light in the stalls also assists with cleanliness. Dark, damp areas of the stalls are
greatly reduced - if not completely eliminated. The natural sunlight that streams into the stalls
for the majority of the day is also a very powerful disinfectant and bactericide.

Excellent Ventilation

The barn was deliberately sited with the doors located to take maximum advantage of
the natural breezes. This keeps the air in the stalls fresh and reduces the risk of disease by
minimizing the amount of damp, stale, contaminated air in the stalls. This is true even on the
coldest days. The ventilation also helps to prevent the accumulation of ammonia, which is
unhealthy for the horses respiratory system (and kids) and causes unpleasant odors.

Social Aspect
Horses are herd animals and very social by nature. The stall designs allow the horses to see
and "nose" each other, a key social aspect of how horses interact. They can also see out both
sides of the stalls, so they do not feel "trapped" in a box or isolated. This keeps their minds
healthy and happy.

Flexibility

Many studies have been done that discuss health benefits for horses that are allowed to live
in an environment with weather protection, but that is not heated or air conditioned. The stall
doors and windows have been deigned to close up entirely at night in the winter to retain
body heat (and eliminate the need to blanket which is beneficial for many reasons unless
the horse is clipped) or to stay wide open in the summer providing a nice cross breeze for the
horses all night. Maximum flexibility.

Turnout Area

The "everyday" turnout area is wood chipped and set on a hill. This is deliberate. The tress
provide natural cover from sun and weather. The feed and water spaces were designed
by an E.L.P.O. (Equine Lameness Prevention Organization) certified individual. The two
feed "stations" and water areas are located apart from each other and have crushed rock
underneath. Very importantly, this helps to develop the horses digital cushion - a structure
that is often not developed in horses kept in the Northeast, especially those not kept barefoot.
This area of the foot functions much like a shock absorber and its development is critical in
the prevention of various causes of lameness. The good news is horses can start, continue or
strengthen the digital cushion development at any age.

The turnout has a sunny "camp area" where the horses tend to relax and lay in the sun in the
mornings. It is enjoyable and relaxing to see them happy, relaxing and grooming each other - much
like they would in the wild. There is ample room for exercise, as evidenced when the horses gallop
around playing and kicking up their heels. The hill provides a natural way for the horses to naturally
develop their top line, which is so important for hunters and jumpers. Trees and rocks, further provide
scratching areas, shelter, agility and hoof development.

The riding oval located at the bottom of the turnout area has two long sides, which are perfect for
training. It is a pretty pleasant place to ride - especially in the fall when the trees and look so beautiful.